In the Footsteps of Mandela
Embark on a provocative journey of inspiration through the vibrant and culturally diverse ” Rainbow Nation.” The fascinating history of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa is brought to life through a collection of soulful encounters with the people and places that he touched in his efforts to end apartheid. Round out your South Africa sojourn with a safari revealing the country’s natural beauty and wildlife - and a chance to collect a photographic gallery of the magnificent Big Five.
- 7-nights accommodations
- 12 meals (7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners)
- Explore a township in the Cape Town area and gain insight into the daily life of the residents with visits to entrepreneurial shops, a local bar and a traditional Xhosa healer
- Discover the heritage and history of South Africa on a full schedule of excursions including a ferry ride to Robben Island, where Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years in prison, and now a historical landmark
- Experience the the striking scenery and wildlife from your private game lodge on twice daily game activities
- Enjoy Cape Town's favorite and unique entertainment
*Note: Tour price does not include internal air. Economy class is additional $795 per person.
With a warm South African welcome upon your arrival, you'll be on your way to your lovely hotel, just minutes from the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop. Relax or start exploring one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Immerse yourself in spectacular ocean vistas, quaint villages and wildlife on today’s full day exploration of "The Fairest Cape." Pass by the glamorous homes and exquisite coastline of Millionaires Paradise and on to the charming working harbor of Hout Bay. Keep your camera on hand to photograph the rocky seascapes and wildlife as you wind along the legendary Chapman's Peak Drive and explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Continue along the coastline to get up close to a colony of penguins at Boulders Beach. Drive through the naval port of Simon’s Town before returning to Cape Town for time on your own this evening.
Today's eye-opening excursion offers profound insight into the people's ongoing initiatives to gain self sufficiency as they struggle with the lingering effects of South Africa's now defunct apartheid policies. Visit the "spaza" shops and "shebeen" bars, meet a traditional Xhosa healer ("sangoma"), learn about grassroots health care, and view the homes of the emerging middle class. Return to the lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in time to board the ferry to Robben Island. The island, now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, was where the former South African President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years in prison. Tonight, enjoy an interactive djembe drumming session and experience a "taste safari" of African Cuisine from Cape Malay to Timbuktu.
Leave the "Mother City" for your flight north to Johannesburg, known affectionately as Jo'burg, or the "City of Gold." Enjoy your well-appointed hotel, located in a tranquil suburb within walking distance to shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Delve deeper in South Africa's turbulent past with a trip to Soweto, a sprawling multicultural metropolis of more than 3.5 million people on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Learn about the inspirational leaders who fought to end apartheid. Visit Freedom Square, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street, formerly home to both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu - perhaps the only two Nobel Peace Prize winners who were once neighbors. Tuck into a lunch of African specialties before visiting the Apartheid Museum for a deeper look at the humbling and ultimately inspiring journey from the dark days of segregation to Mandela's release from prison and his policy of reconciliation and not revenge.
For another slice of the authentic South Africa experience, take wing on a safari adventure in Karongwe Private Game Reserve near the Kruger National Park. Touch down and you're just a short drive away to your lodging. After a warm welcome and delicious lunch, meet your game ranger and hop aboard an open vehicle for an afternoon game drive. Look out for the Big Five, as well as hippo, antelope, zebra and giraffe and an abundance of bird life. As the sky darkens, your tracker will spotlight the nocturnal species as they come out to hunt. Tonight, gather around a crackling fire and dine on a delicious variety of local and continental dishes within the outdoor boma.
Awaken with the soft light of sunrise when the animals are most lively. Join your ranger for a game drive or try a bushwalk to focus on smaller wildlife and plants. Return to your lodge for some leisure time at the pool or relax with a book. In the afternoon set off in search of the regal kudu, or the waterbuck with its distinctive white circle around the tail or the shy duiker. After an exhilarating day, join your companions for refreshing drinks and a hearty dinner served family-style. Spend your last evening, taking in the sounds of the wilderness and watching the Southern constellations illuminate the endless skies.
After an early morning game drive and hearty breakfast, bid farewell to your new found safari friends as you transfer to the airport for your return flight to Johannesburg and your onward arrangements.
